opulence

American  

[op-yuh-luhns] / ˈɒp jə ləns /

Sometimes opulency

noun

1. wealth, riches, or affluence.

2. abundance, as of resources or goods; plenty.

3. the state of being opulent.

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Other Word Forms

• unopulence
  noun

Etymology

Origin of opulence

First recorded in 1500–10, opulence is from the Latin word opulentia wealth. See opulent, -ence

Explanation

Something with opulence is drenched in wealth and luxury. You'll need gold brocaded curtains, diamond-encrusted watches, and a world-renowned personal chef if you want to add some opulence to your life. Not surprisingly, the noun opulence comes from the Latin opulentia, meaning “wealthy.” A word that suggests extravagant excess, opulence describes lavish and visibly over-the-top living. Synonyms include abundance, prosperity, and riches. Said the novelist Joseph Conrad, “Protection is the first necessity of opulence and luxury.” Meaning, first secure one’s riches and safety, and then enjoy without a care in the world!

Example Sentences

Opulence is revenge, as in one of the best moments in the film “Paris Is Burning” when a Black dancer at a drag show announces: ‘You own everything; everything is yours!’

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 1, 2023

Sultans of Deccan India, 1500-1700: Opulence and Fantasy is on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York through July 26.

From Washington Post • May 7, 2015

One such mystery is examined in “Sultans of Deccan India, 1500-1700: Opulence and Fantasy,” a landmark exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

From New York Times • Apr. 23, 2015

Opulence has been manifested differently over the ages, but the psychology underlying it has rarely changed.

From The Guardian • Oct. 14, 2014

On the other hand Opulence allured him with her many baits, and, silencing the voice of conscience, he yielded to temptation and wrecked his nobler self.

From Moods by Alcott, Louisa May